James Cameron keynote speaker at SolidWorks World 2010

I don’t normally just republish press releases, but this news is so big, it’s hard for me to add anything to it, so here’s the press release in full:

‘Avatar’ Director James Cameron Headlines SolidWorks World 2010

Visual Effects Pioneer Will Share Stories

of Overcoming Daunting Technical and Business Challenges

CONCORD, Mass., Dec. 21, 2009 – A machinist, a truck driver, and then a winner of 11 Oscars, Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron is now a featured special guest at SolidWorks World 2010, taking place Jan. 31 through Feb. 3 in Anaheim, Calif.

Cameron’s films, including Titanic, Aliens, and the Terminator franchise, have amassed over $3 billion in box office receipts. Not every tinseltown luminary could inspire an audience of 4,000-plus SolidWorks^® software users, but Cameron is an innovator’s innovator. As part of his Hollywood resume, he has invented a plethora of technology for exploring the depth of the seas and outer space, including Mars.

“James Cameron does magnificent things with technology and imagination. But in a way, he does exactly what every SolidWorks user does: confronts technical challenges, works out solutions, brings them to reality, and enjoys the success,” said Jeff Ray, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. CEO. “We’re thrilled to have him at our event.”

Cameron’s films have blazed new trails in visual effects and set numerous performance records. Among Cameron’s inventions:

• Filming, lighting, and robotic equipment for use in the extreme pressures of the deep;
• A 3D digital camera system to enable shooting of 2D and 3D film versions in parallel; and
• Mini fiber-spooling remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for deep sea use.

The making of Cameron’s new 3D feature film “Avatar,” a science fiction epic set in the virgin ecosystem of a distant planet, has required more than two years of new production technology development. Innovations include image-based facial performance capture, a real-time virtual camera for computer-generated production, and the SIMULCAM system, all of which help weave computer-generated characters into live-action scenes. These techniques are combined with stereoscopic photography to create a hybrid CG/live-action film.

…and much, much more

Cameron’s appearance will be one of many rich learning, networking, and entertainment opportunities at SolidWorks World 2010. Attendees will present more than 150 in-depth training sessions with an unprecedented number of popular hands-on sessions. More than 100 SolidWorks-designed products will be on display in more than 6,000 square feet of space within the Partner Pavilion exhibition hall. More than 100 partners will demonstrate technology products that complement SolidWorks software, and there will be dedicated time for birds-of-a-feather networking.

SolidWorks World provides a tremendous opportunity for users to network and share best practices. Nearly the entire DS SolidWorks R&D staff will be on site to talk to attendees, learn about their experiences, and demonstrate interesting projects. As always, the general sessions will stimulate and entertain. The sessions will include a sneak preview of SolidWorks 2011 software and presentations from DS SolidWorks CEO Jeff Ray, Dassault Systèmes President and CEO Bernard Charlès, and DS SolidWorks Co-Founder and Group Executive Jon Hirschtick.

There are numerous ways to follow SolidWorks World 2010:

SolidWorks Blog – SWW 2010 topics	http://blogs.solidworks.com/solidworksblog/solidworks_world/
DS SolidWorks on Twitter	http://twitter.com/solidworks
SolidWorks World 2010 account on Twitter	http://twitter.com/solidworksworld
SolidWorks World 2010 hashtag (#SWW10)	http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23SWW10
DS SolidWorks on Flickr	http://www.flickr.com/photos/solidworks
SolidWorks World 2010 Flickr group	http://www.flickr.com/groups/sww10/
DS SolidWorks on YouTube	http://www.youtube.com/solidworks
SolidWorks World 2010 YouTube group	http://www.youtube.com/sww2010
SolidWorks World blogger & Twitter feed	http://www.solidworks.com/swworld/2589_ENU_HTML.htm

Also, Chris McAndrew of the 3D Engr blog will be SolidWorks’ first official Internet Correspondent. He tweets at http://twitter.com/Cbmcandrew and will be blogging about SolidWorks World 2010 on the main SolidWorks blog http://blogs.solidworks.com/solidworksblog/.

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About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, is a world leader in 3D solutions. The company develops and markets software for design, analysis, product data management, documentation, and environmental impact assessment. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks, and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2009 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.